Alzheimer’s Disease was first discovered in South - Western Germany in 1906 by scientist Alois Alzheimer. He noticed changes in the brain cells of a woman who died of an unusual mental illness and immediately began investigating what the plausible causes were. Alzheimer described the disease and its symptoms as “a peculiar disease - one of profound memory loss and microscopic brain changes.” At the time, scientists were fascinated by the changes Alzheimer’s Disease caused to the brain, however, they did not know how to reverse the damage. Over the years, many new medical advancements have been found and improved upon. In 1906, the life expectancy of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease was just over 40 years. Today, many drugs and treatment plans approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allow most people with Alzheimer’s to survive up to the age of 80, or even 90, years old. Although public awareness about the disease has increased, most people who do not work in a scientific field do not give much thought to Alzheimer’s Disease – unless, of course, a loved one gets the disease. Efforts by medical researchers to more fully understand and cure Alzheimer’s Disease have been impacted by a range of factors including economics, public awareness, and medical evolution. The first time Alzheimer’s Disease was diagnosed, people were bewildered that such a horrifying disease could cause so much damage. Over the decades public awareness spread significantly. Initially, scientists mistook Alzheimer’s for alcohol consumption or Down Syndrome. In 1968, researchers discovered that Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and most patients start showing symptoms at around the same age. They immediately recognized that the general public, as well as the government, needed to provide funds for the search for a cure. Public awareness increased with the diagnoses of actress Rita Hayworth, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, and former president Ronald Reagan. Today, it continues to rise through outlets such as YouTube, social media, books, and movies. These works were created mainly by the Alzheimer’s Association for the public to hear first hand from patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and to hear the latest updates about ongoing research. The first major funding project for Alzheimer’s Disease research was conducted in 2003 by the Judy Fund, a project launched by the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Although their goal was to raise $1 million, they ended up raising just over $10 million. The Alzheimer's Foundation’s ongoing attempt to raise awareness sparked the funding for their research. People have become more aware about the disease and are now willing to give money towards research facilities and technological improvements. Major funding has included $289 million in March of 2022 to assist with research generously donated by the “families and friends” of the Alzheimer’s Association, a group of people who have a strong connection to the association either through personal experiences or otherwise. Additionally, the government donated $350 million in 2019 in federal research funding towards Alzheimer’s medications and advancements. The accumulation of the past donations have led to medical breakthroughs and additional FDA approved medications. Research has improved a great amount over the years. In the past, the Alzheimer’s Association came up with new methods of research such as the Cognitive Measurement Scale in 1968 and the first drug trial conducted in 1987. The Cognitive Measurement Scale is used to assess the memory and function of an adult brain. Based off the score, doctors are able to tell if the patient has Alzheimer’s Disease or a healthy brain. The first Alzheimer’s Disease drug trial, Tacrine, was conducted by Pfizer. Through this trial, they came upon the Alzheimer’s gene found on chromosome 21. Today, there are many technological advancements that allow for deeper research. With greater funding, researchers are able to conduct experiments leading to the production of medications. The research conducted by scientists today is no longer only to discover more about the disease, but to alleviate the sympoms. Although there is no cure yet, there are many FDA approved medications like Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine that contribute to the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s which help treat symptoms such as tiredness and mild memory loss. Increased public awareness has helped eliminate uncertainty and foster understanding, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention. Adequate funding has allowed for extensive research, innovative treatments, and improved support systems for patients and their families. Moreover, medical advancements, driven by this funding, have contributed to a deeper understanding of the disease's mechanisms, enabling the development of new drugs and therapies. As a result, individuals affected by Alzheimer's are now benefiting from earlier interventions, enhanced care, and improved quality of life. However, continued efforts are necessary to further increase public awareness, secure sustained funding, and advance medical breakthroughs, for the prevention, effective treatment, and ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Alois Alzheimer's noticed changes in brain cells of a woman who died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. Although this was the first time the disease was spotted, it was certainly not the last. This disease was later named Alzheimer's Disease, after Alois Alzheimer.
Emil Kraepelin was a German doctor who named the disease Alzheimer's Disease (AD) after Alois Alzheimer's. At the time of its' naming, they treated AD with alcohol and exercise in hope to get people to sleep because the idea was the more the patient sleeps, the less they forget.
German scientists Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska invented the electron microscope which magnifies up to 1 million times. The lab tool became popular after World War II in order to look at brain cells in more detail.
The first scale for assessing cognitive and function abilities is developed for use on older adults. This device showed if an adult had AD, a different memory disorder, or has a healthy brain. They used this to link it to later courses of treatment.
Congress makes the NIA as part of the National Institute of Health (NIH) in hope to support Alzheimer's research with a more stable budget.
Neurologist Robert Katzman identifies it as the most common form of dementia and major public health issue. He published his findings in the archives of neurology. Starting from this point, doctors started scanning for Alzheimer's before any other form of dementia.
Cholinergic hypothesis: proposed by Peter Davies and A. J. F. Maloney in 1976. "They studied and compared the activities of the key enzymes involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, noradrenaline, and 5-hydroxytryptamine, in 20 regions of AD and control brains. The activity of choline acetyltransferase in the AD brains was greatly reduced in the amygdala, hippocampus, and cortex, in which the concentration of acetylcholine was decreased at synapses. The activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and monoamine oxidase in all the areas of the AD brains studied appeared to be well within the normal range. Choline acetyltransferase is a key enzyme in the synthesis of acetylcholine, and its catalytic activity requires these substrates: choline, acetyl-CoA, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This was the first time that the concept of AD was noted as a cholinergic system failure. This finding has also been reported in other neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and depression."
Her symptoms began in 1960 when she was in her 40s. She started forgetting lines on stage and her doctors thought it was her heavy drinking but then it worsened over the years. She was officially diagnosed in 1979 when she became the face of Alzheimer's. Her diagnosis was publicized in 1981. Even today, she is still credited as one of the first people to help raise awareness for the disease.
In 1979, Jerome H. Stone and others met with the NIA to explore the value of a national, independent, nonprofit organization to complement and stimulate federal resources for Alzheimer's research. The Alzheimer's Association formed in 1980 with Jerome H. Stone as the founding president.
The first official national Alzheimer's Disease month happened in November of 1983.
Researchers George Glenner and Cai'ne Wong report first identification of "a novel cerebrovascular amyloid protein," known as beta-amyloid. The NIA then began funding research, diagnosis, and treatment for Alzheimer's Disease and its connection to the protein.
Tau protein is discovered as key component of tangles - one of the main reasons for memory loss, specifically in nerve cell degeneration. This is the second pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's.
The Alzheimer's Association, NIA, and Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Company (now known as Pfizer) launch a clinical trial for the drug known as tacrine. Researchers identify the first gene associated with rare, inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease. This gene on chromosome 21 codes amyloid precursor protein (APP) - the parent molecule which beta-amyloid is formed. This is why a lot of people with down-syndrome also develop Alzheimer's in their 30s-50s.
NIA established Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), a nationwide medical network for clinical research and conduct federally funded clinical trials.
APOE-e4, a form of the apolipoprotein-E (APOE) gene on chromosome 19 is founded. It was considered the first gene that raises risk for Alzheimer's. However, it does not determine that a person who has the gene will develop the disease, it just raises their chances of developing AD. Shortly after, the first drug, Tacrine, was approved by the FDA. Tacrine (Cognex) targets memory and thinking symptoms. Four additional drugs were approved over the next 10 years.
It costs approximately $47,000 per year to take care of a loved one with AD. Both at home and in a nursing home (over 60% paid out of pocket) at home: 75% of the money goes to informal care (live in nurse, medicine, etc.) Nursing home: 12% goes to informal care (because the rest is included in the the nursing home fees. A study in Sweden found an inhibitor (Galantamine), that reduces the length of full time care (FTC) by 10% which leads to saving money. These results were adored by many around the world taking care of AD patients.
The first drug approved by the FDA targets memory and thinking problems and was released to the public in 1993
Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. When his diagnosis was first publicized he said, "In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it." This year would later become the first year with a world Alzheimer’s day on September 21st.
This information was gathered to present how economic fluctuations cause changes in costs of AD. There was later data added to how covid affected the economy.
Researchers developed Alzheimer-like brain pathology for mice by inserting one of the human APP genes linked to a rare, inherited form of Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association first awarded a grant to develop a mouse model of a rare neurodegenerative disorder called Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome in 1989, which is the technical foundation for Alzheimer's mouse models.
Exelon, is approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer's treatment after originally being created for Parkinson's. It is a cholinesterase inhibitors which can prevent the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain thought to be important for learning and memory. A person with Alzheimer’s has lower levels of acetylcholine than someone without the disease. By providing an increased concentration of acetylcholine, these medications may temporarily ease or stabilize some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The medications can help for 2-3 years - possible longer. The nerve endings eventually die and then it's no longer helpful which is why it only works for people with mild - moderate dementia.
Injecting beta-amaloyed stops the mouse from losing its memory.
Parks was publicly diagnosed in 1999 and died in in 2005 at 92 years old. She was also the caretaker for her mother who died of Alzheimer's in the 70s. Although she spoke about civil rights movement, she tried to stay out of the spotlight because of her diagnosis back when it was not publicized.
Studies recruited participants to collect and bank blood samples from families with several members who developed Alzheimer's disease late in order to help identify additional Alzheimer's risk genes.
Known by its brand name, Ebixa, helps monitor symptoms for moderate to advanced Alzheimer's. This medication is thought to work by affecting another brain chemical called glutamate. Glutamate helps send messages between brain cells. Glutamate is released in excessive amounts when brain cells are damaged by Alzheimer’s. Memantine may protect brain cells by blocking effects of too much glutamate. Some specialists recommend adding memantine to one of the cholinesterase inhibitors once a person with Alzheimer’s has progressed from the early and middle stages to the middle and late stages. Memantine can be prescribed for people in the middle and late stages who can’t tolerate the side effects from a cholinesterase inhibitor.
First report on an imaging agent called Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB) a major potential breakthrough in disease monitoring and early detection of AD. It enters the brain through the bloodstream and attaches itself to beta-amyloid deposits. This can be detected by PET scan. Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a nationwide study to establish standards for obtaining and interpreting brain images. The goal of ADNI is to determine whether standardized images, possibly combined with laboratory and psychological tests, can identify high-risk individuals; provide early detection; and track and monitor treatment effects, especially in clinical trials of disease-modifying drugs. In 2006, the Association launched the European Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (E-ADNI), to expand ADNI's scope by combining data from several European brain imaging initiatives with ADNI data. This effort has now grown into World Wide ADNI (WW-ADNI), a global network of flagship research sites united in a common effort to improve diagnosis and speed treatment development with standardized protocols and data shared internationally.
First company to make a public drug was Aricept. The medication is made for mild to moderate Alzheimer's and is a cholinesterase inhibitor. These medications can prevent the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain thought to be important for learning and memory. A person with Alzheimer’s has lower levels of acetylcholine than someone without the disease. By providing an increased concentration of acetylcholine, these medications may temporarily ease or stabilize some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The medications can help for 2-3 years - possible longer. The nerve endings eventually die and then it's no longer helpful which is why it only works for people with mild - moderate dementia.
Known by its brand name to the public as Reminyl ER, the drug helps for most with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. It is a cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications can prevent the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain thought to be important for learning and memory. A person with Alzheimer’s has lower levels of acetylcholine than someone without the disease. By providing an increased concentration of acetylcholine, these medications may temporarily ease or stabilize some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The medications can help for 2-3 years - possible longer The nerve endings eventually die and then its no longer helpful which is why it only works for people with mild - moderate dementia.
Produced to support a global, interdisciplinary exchange within the Alzheimer's research community.
Barbara A. Mikulski’s statement: Suggests research and support programs from government as well as families. She also addresses her father’s battle with Alzheimer's and how she sees first hand that more is needed introduce bipartisan legislation that would double funding for Alzheimer's research, create a national summit on Alzheimer's, and provide family support through tax credits and other measures mphasizes the importance of research breakthroughs and staying the course in funding Alzheimer's research, as it could lead to significant savings in healthcare costs and improve the lives of millions of people impacted by the disease. Senator Collins’ statement: She highlighted the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, which costs the United States nearly $150 billion annually, and stressed the need for a strong and sustained research effort to slow the progression and prevent the onset of the disease. Effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease are within reach, and investments in research have begun to pay dividends. She called for an increase in funding for Alzheimer's disease research and highlighted the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2007, which would double the authorization levels for research at the NIH to $1.3 billion. Senator Collins also stressed the need for support for Alzheimer's patients and their families, and highlighted the Alzheimer's Family Assistance Act, which provides a tax credit of up to $3,000 to help families meet the costs of caring for a loved one with a long-term, chronic disease like Alzheimer's. economic burden it places on the country She emphasized the need for increased investment in Alzheimer's research, as effective treatments are within grasp, and delaying the onset of the disease could save billions of dollars every year. Collins was pleased to be an original cosponsor of the "Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2007," which aimed to double the authorization levels for Alzheimer's research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to $1.3 billion. She also supported the "Alzheimer's Family Assistance Act of 2007," which would provide a tax credit to help families meet the costs of caring for loved ones with long-term chronic diseases like Alzheimer's.. Harry Jones People are surviving cancer only to face Alzheimer's disease. Left unchecked, Alzheimer's has the potential to wreck our economy. In fact, already today, Alzheimer's is costing almost $150 billion a year. By 2015, Medicare costs and Medicaid costs will be as high as $210 billion for beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease alone. Within just 25 years, unchecked, the cost for Alzheimer's beneficiaries in Medicare alone could be as high as the total of the Medicare program today. This threatens our economy and the economic security of not only baby boomers but generations to come. The human cost is even worse. There are at least 10 million caregivers carrying the burden of this disease for their loved ones and again, as you said, Senator, all of us who have been touched by this disease know that burden on a personal level. And again, Alzheimer's is not just a little memory loss. It kills. But before it does, it can rob people of all bodily functions. Our success in curing cancer and other disease is exposing our Nation's failure in Alzheimer's and we can stop Alzheimer's disease 5 million people have the disease now (10 percent more than previous estimates.) By mid-century, as many as 16 million will have Alzheimer's. Half a million new cases will develop this year--one every 72 seconds. Alzheimer's is now the 5th leading cause of death in older Americans. Death rates from the disease have risen 33 percent in 4 years, at the same time that rates for other diseases common in the elderly are going down every year. Alzheimer's is costing the Nation $148 billion a year. Medicare spend $91 billion; Medicaid another $21 billion. By 2015, Medicare and Medicaid will be spending $210 billion on beneficiaries with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is overwhelming the health and long-term care system. Twenty-five percent of elderly hospital patients, at least 47 percent of nursing home residents and half of people in assisted living and adult day care have dementia. Yet 70 percent of people with Alzheimer's live at home where at least 10 million family members provide unpaid care. The annual value of the unpaid work Alzheimer caregivers do is valued at nearly $83 billion.
The Alzheimer’s Association and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launch the Healthy Brain Initiative with the publication of A National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health. The Road Map advances 44 science-based actions emphasizing primary prevention of cognitive impairment. The goal of this initiative is to maintain or improve the cognitive performance of all adults. the International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) began - the first and only professional society dedicated to Alzheimer's and dementia.
The families demand new treatment plans in hope for a cure. One way a lot of families cope with the news is through family therapy groups for those with a loved one with dementia. Another coping mechanism is to demand and work with people to create a new treatment. This gives them "active" hope rather than the passivity of therapy which makes them feel like they are doing something to help. However, there are even different ways to actively help. Some people donate money to support research while others give time to try and help with the research and may even study Alzheimer’s as well.
The Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease® (AAICAD®) becomes an annual event. The Alzheimer's Association announces funding of the Alzheimer's Association QC Program for CSF Biomarkers to help overcome variation among institutions in measuring potential biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Dozens of Alzheimer's researchers unite with the Alzheimer's Association for an "Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride®," a 66-day bike relay across America to raise public and congressional awareness of the urgent need for more federal funding to support the search for effective Alzheimer's treatments. They started a database of 4,000 patients who participated in 11 pharmaceutical industry-sponsored clinical trials of Alzheimer's treatments released. The Association launches TrialMatch®, a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, caregivers, and healthy volunteers with current research studies. The (CDC) releases final 2007 data showing that Alzheimer's disease is now our sixth-leading cause of death. A group of researchers publish a working model relating changes in Alzheimer’s biomarkers to disease stage and symptom severity. The model has become a focal point of research into Alzheimer’s biomarkers, and is revised periodically to account for new research.
Groundbreaking legislation establishes first-ever framework for a national strategic plan to address the Alzheimer's crisis and to coordinate our response on multiple fronts, including research, care and support. Three workgroups convened by the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging issue updated criteria and guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease propose a research agenda to define a new preclinical stage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implement Annual Wellness Visits for all Medicare Beneficiaries under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A mandatory part of the Annual Wellness Visit is an assessment for detection of cognitive impairment.
A multinational research consortium, the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, launches the first major clinical trial testing drug therapy to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms in people who inherited an autosomal dominant mutation putting them at high risk for the disease.
Study: in sweden, they found an inhibitor (Galantamine), that reduces the length of full time care (FTC) by 10% which leads to saving money. They also found that with mild to moderate you can use treatment to avoid FTC which is cheaper Using this inhibitor is cheaper than full FTC.
Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies intended to identify genetic variations linked with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease are being performed. The collaboration revealed 20 genetic variations associated with increased risk, 11 of which had not been linked with Alzheimer’s before. Some of the newly identified genetic variations are thought to be specific to the immune system, adding to mounting evidence of a role for the immune system in Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at Rush University find that the annual number of deaths attributable to Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. among people at least 75 years old is about 500,000, much higher than the number reported on death certificates (>84,000).
The Alzheimer's Association led the fight for this revolutionary law that allows scientists at the NIH to submit an annual research budget directly to Congress.
Historic $400 million increase for federal Alzheimer’s disease research funding signed into law, bringing annual funding to $1.4 billion.
Alzheimer’s Association released Dementia Care Practice Recommendations aimed at helping professional care providers deliver optimal quality, person-centered care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded the Alzheimer’s Association $1.34 million over five years for an international research network, Leveraging an Interdisciplinary Consortium to Improve Care and Outcomes for Persons Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia (LINC-AD), to improve care and psychosocial outcomes for individuals living with dementia. Bill Gates joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Part the Cloud global research grant program with a $10 million award that will stimulate an additional $20 million in funding to the Alzheimer’s Association. A $350 million increase for Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was signed into law, bringing the annual funding to $2.8 billion. An additional $10 million was also approved for the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act.
Aducanumab (Aduhelm™) received accelerated approval as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the first FDA-approved therapy to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease.
Was 3.5 billion Increase in march 14, 22 by 289 million Plus 25 million for infrastructure (machienes etc.) Goes through AIM (Alzheimer’s impact movement)
A series of interviews was conducted with doctors, researchers, and strangers who wanted to devote time and energy to AD research. This person devoted their time to research and found new advancements: Educamab Monolclonal antibody Immune based Gets into brain at low concentration stimulates amaloid plaque and immune system to attack plaque and get rid of alzheimers Mild - moderate First intrevenous treatment for ad First for any disorder for 18 years Effective - lowers amaloyed plaque One trial at lower dose helps slow down memory loss while higher dose does not - this is why it wasnt approved yet but not it is because it has potential and because AD is bad.
This interview was conducted by a caregiver. The empathy approach Loved ones say that it helps them, not the other way because people naturally want to help and most people aren’t selfish Managing fraud Freeze credit record to stop people from setting up new accounts under her name Move mail to your house so people can’t look through it or do anything to it “No one should face this disease alone” - alzheimers association Takes a village
This interviewee devoted their life to creating aa network for AD doctors to talk about new treatment options: New treatment that uses the same molecular biology that was attempted for cancer They want to use more brain imaging both for safety and for actual medicine They believe that the reasons they have yet to find a cure is because they have to wrong tools
Alzheimer’s Disease research would not be where it is today without public attention through celebrities, government and private funding, and recent advances in the field of neuroscience. Increased public awareness has allowed an inflow of funding from both the government and private donors; ample funding has facilitated research efforts, enabling scientists to unravel the intricate mechanisms of the disease and develop innovative therapies. Additionally, significant strides in medical advancements, such as the discovery of potential biomarkers and novel treatment approaches, offer hope for improved diagnosis, management, and eventually, a cure for Alzheimer's disease. By continuing to raise awareness, allocate resources, and support scientific breakthroughs, the public as well as researchers can foster a future where individuals affected by Alzheimer's receive the care and support they deserve, while working towards a world without this devastating disease.
We'd love to hear from you. Please send questions or feedback to the below email addresses.
Before contacting us, you may wish to visit our FAQs page which has lots of useful info on Tiki-Toki.
We can be contacted by email at: hello@tiki-toki.com.
You can also follow us on twitter at twitter.com/tiki_toki.
If you are having any problems with Tiki-Toki, please contact us as at: help@tiki-toki.com
Close